C

Step 1: Understand the concept of angle of contact. The angle of contact (also known as the contact angle) is the angle formed between the liquid surface and the solid surface at the point of contact. It is a measure of the wettability of a solid surface by a liquid.

Step 2: For a chromium surface, which is a hydrophobic material, the angle of contact with water is typically expected to be less than 90 degrees. This indicates that water does not wet the surface very well, allowing for the polished appearance of chromium.

Step 3: In practical applications, surfaces designed to repel water (like polished chromium) have contact angles that are often significantly above 90 degrees, leading to the formation of droplets. However, we are seeking the condition where water can still interact with the vapor phase around it, which is representative of angles less than 90 degrees.

Conclusion: Therefore, the angle of contact between water and chromium is less than 90 degrees.
Therefore, the correct option is C.